Rising since 2011, #2,214 for girls today.
Popularity of Rooney since 1943
Babies named Rooney per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls | Boys |
|---|---|---|
| 1940s | 0 | 5 |
| 1950s | 0 | 47 |
| 1960s | 0 | 37 |
| 1970s | 0 | 28 |
| 1980s | 0 | 18 |
| 1990s | 0 | 13 |
| 2000s | 0 | 93 |
| 2010s | 346 | 268 |
| 2020s | 512 | 162 |
Meaning & origin
Rooney is a surname turned given name that has seen consistent growth since its first recorded use in 2011. As of the latest data (2025), it ranks 2,214th nationally, with a 1-in-19,365 rate of use, and reached a peak rank in 2024. The name has risen steadily, particularly in states like Minnesota, Michigan, and New York. Its Irish origin gives it an appealing heritage, and its similarity to names like Roo and Quinn makes it a fresh choice for parents seeking a unisex option with modern energy despite its surname roots.
Rooney is an Irish surname turned given name, anglicized from the Gaelic Ó Ruanaidh, meaning 'descendant of Ruanaidh'. The personal name Ruanaidh is of uncertain origin but may be related to words for 'red' or 'champion'. It has been used as a first name primarily in recent decades, particularly for girls in the United States, though historically it is a male surname.
Where Rooney is most popular
Births per 100,000 girls by state, 2025. The lightest shade means too few recorded births.
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Roo
Sibling names for Rooney
Names that share Rooney's style, for a brother or sister.
